MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / REALITY TV

'AGT' Season 19: Who is Reyna Roberts? Self-proclaimed 'Princess Of Outlaw Country' music featured in Beyonce's album

'AGT' Season 19 contestant, Reyna Roberts is well-known for her support of Black country musicians and her emphasis on honoring the history of the genre in country music

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Reyna Roberts sings an original song while competing on Season 19 of 'America's Got Talent' on May 28 on NBC at 8 pm ET. The performance comes ahead of her appearance at CMA Fest in Nashville, where she will open the weekend's Nissan Stadium performances by performing the national anthem on June 6. 

Reyna, who released her debut album 'Bad Girl Barbie Vol. 1' in September, is one of the artists included on Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' album. 

In an industry where authenticity is paramount, a rising star has appeared. Reyna captured listeners with her natural talent and uncompromising approach to musical storytelling.

She is known for her support for respecting the past in country music and highlighting the need to recognize Black country musicians. Let's meet Reyna, whose powerful vocals and strong writing have confirmed her place as an industry powerhouse to be reckoned with, and who appeared on Beyoncé's critically acclaimed 'Cowboy Carter' album. 

'AGT' Season 19 contestant Reyna Roberts penned her first song for wrestling team's captain

Reyna was born on August 15, 1997, in Alaska and raised in Alabama. Her parents gave her classic country music on a regular basis to help her brain grow. 

Reyna relocated with her parents several times during her youth, residing in Alaska, Alabama, Tennessee, and California. They moved to California to pursue her singing career, not because of her parents' jobs.

She had a natural talent for music when she was very little. Reyna performed for the first time at the age of three, when her mother took her to a karaoke club. 

Despite losing their home, her family purchased a storage unit to hold her piano, allowing Reyna to diligently practice. Reyna began vocal training at the age of 18 with Brett Manning, a famous voice instructor. 

During her high school years, Reyna matched her love of music with her dedication to the wrestling team. During this period, she began penning songs with the intention of wooing the team captain. 

In 2014, she recorded her first original piece, 'Lying to Myself', which was a watershed moment in her musical career.

'AGT' Season 19 contestant Reyna Roberts got a shoutout from Mickey Guyton and Carrie Underwood

In 2016, Reyna put out her debut EP, 'The Beginning'. That same year, she took part in the Spring High School Nation Tour, opening for well-known groups such as the Plain White T's. 

Between 2018 and 2020, she attended songwriting camps and made relationships with other songwriters and musicians. It was on these occasions that she met her present managers, Ryan McMahan and Larry Pareigis. 

In June 2020, a watershed moment occurred for Reyna. Mickey Guyton, a country music superstar, notably uploaded a video of Reyna performing Carrie Underwood's smash 'Drinking Alone'.

This exposure drew the attention of none other than Carrie, who boosted Reyna's skill by retweeting the video, catapulting her into the country music spotlight. Building on her newfound notoriety, Reyna released the track 'Stompin' Grounds' in July 2020. 

This was another milestone in her meteoric journey to prominence. The tune received critical praise and effectively proclaimed her entrance into the country music industry. 

Along with Ashland Craft, Priscilla Block, Brittney Spencer, Hannah Dasher, MacKenzie Porter, Harper Grae, Tenille Arts, Sacha, and Chapel Hart, Reyna became a member of CMT's Next Women in Country 2021 class.

One year later, RADIO.COM named Reyna one of the 'Leading Ladies' in Country Music. She also embarked on a summer tour with Jamey Johnson, opening for him in various locations.

She joined Jamey Johnson on his 2021 summer tour, opening for him in seven Deep South towns. Furthermore, she played at her first Washington State festival, the Watershed Fest, in August.

Reyna signed with Eclipse Music Group, a publishing business located in Nashville, in August 2021. In October 2021, Reyna was included in Amazon Music's 'Breakthrough Country Live' campaign.

'AGT' Season 19 contestant Reyna Roberts hails Lesley Riddle as her mentor

Reyna, one of the few visible Black women in country music, is noted for fighting for "acknowledging the past" of country music, which includes recognizing Black musician mentors such as Lesley Riddle, knowing the history of the banjo, and using the name "Music City" to describe Nashville.

Reyna has continued to create waves with a run of electric tracks, each demonstrating her flexibility as an artist and unshakable dedication to authenticity. She returned with a bang in 2023, releasing her debut album, 'Bad Girl Bible, Vol. 1'.

Her most recent project was a feature on Beyoncé's chart-topping album 'Act II: Cowboy Carter', which catapulted her to a wider public audience.

What distinguishes Reyna from her peers is her unwavering embrace of the outlaw ethos—a defiant attitude that rejects convention and embraces the grittier, more real sides of existence. Reyna's music explores themes of love, grief, and perseverance, pulling inspiration from her own and others' experiences.

Reyna has listed Carrie, Chris Stapleton, Gretchen Wilson, and Rihanna as musical inspirations. She moved to Nashville in 2020 and has written and performed with artists such as Jamey Johnson.

'AGT' Season 19 contestant Reyna Roberts raises money

In addition to her singing career, Reyna has collected funds for military personnel and veterans, as well as Rett Syndrome Awareness, The Wounded Warrior Project, Teen Impact Affiliates, and The Empowerment Project. She and her family are in the midst of starting an organization to help homeless veterans. 

Season 19 of 'America's Got Talent' premieres Tuesday, May 28 at 8/7c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.